For their business purposes, the company is developing a fully automated, high-throughput synthesis system. One of the key challenges they face is integrating an in-line, real-time particle size distribution measurement method or instrument.

They are therefore looking for a method or instrument that enables them to measure particle size distribution (PSD) in a manner that can be automated and integrated into a larger, high-throughput system.
Advantages and innovation
Technical Specification or Expertise Sought
The proposed solution needs to be able to determine PSD of a sample in quasi real-time over a period of roughly 30 minutes. The PSD of the sample will vary over this timeframe. Establishing when the target PSD is reached is a critical step in the process.

The particle size range of interest is between 1-100 um.

Only a minimal amount of sample (up to a few grams) can be consumed by the measurement over the 30 minute timeframe.

The sample can be particle dense, so auto-dilution of the sample may be required.

Ideally the cycle time (between sampling and receiving the PSD measurement result) is kept under a minute and the PSD is measured every 1-2 minutes.

The company is seeking a method or instrument that can measure PSD in real-time, and that can be fully automated.

Their goal is to find a solution that can be seamlessly integrated into a larger, custom-built high-throughput system.

In addition to PSD instruments, they are also open to consider microfluidics methods or image analysis/AI on microscope slides or other approaches.

The company is NOT looking for:

• A stand-alone instrument for measuring PSD
• A method still requiring manual intervention steps
• Unproven technology or methods